How to Fix Sick Plants With Syrup

Transplant your shrub, flower or tree into its new location in the landscape. Water in as you normally would. Then pour a diluted mixture of white corn syrup (1 part syrup to 3 parts water) around the newly planted specimen. This will deter shock to the plant. A mixture of watered-down molasses or sugar functions in the same way.

Renew an old dilapidated shrub border by pruning out a third of the inner growth; you'll take out whole branches. Also remove dead and damaged branches. Repeat this process for three years. After the third year's cuts, make the following mixture and apply it with a hose-end sprayer:

1 can of beer

1 cup of ammonia

1/2 cup of liquid dish soap

1/2 cup of molasses or clear corn syrup

Master gardener Jerry Baker swears by this method and reports that his "Super Shrub Restorer" "is just the ticket for perking up those old shrubs and getting them started on their way to a robust new life."

Corn syrup mixed with boric acid and a little hot water can be used as a bait to keep insects from your home and your plants, maintaining their health. A healthy plant is less prone to disease and insect infestation.